Latest Updates on Bangladesh Job Quota Protests and US Travel Advisory

Amid escalating tensions and widespread protests in Bangladesh, the United States has issued a stark advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to the South Asian nation. The US State Department raised its travel advisory to level four on Saturday, citing significant civil unrest and warning of demonstrations and violent clashes across Dhaka and other parts of the country.

The protests in Bangladesh were ignited by student outrage over government job quotas, leading to clashes with police and a mounting death toll. The situation has prompted the US government to authorize the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Bangladesh, citing safety concerns.

The protests in Bangladesh have been fueled by calls for reform of the nation’s civil service job quota system, which reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who participated in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan. The government has responded to the protests by imposing a nationwide curfew and shutting down mobile internet services.

Canada has also expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in Bangladesh and called for a peaceful resolution. Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly stated, “Canada is deeply concerned by the escalation in violence following the protests in Bangladesh. We call on all parties involved to work together to end further violence and come to a peaceful resolution.”

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the ongoing unrest. The US advisory and Canada’s reaction underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for de-escalation.